Mundelein festival boosts budding artists

Attendees enjoy artwork at last year's Mundelein Arts Festival. This year's event is set to be held Sept. 7 and 8 in Kracklauer Park. (Photo by Christa Lawrence)

A decade ago, Mundelein's art scene was lacking. There were artists in town, but no local outlet to show or sell their work. That changed three years ago with the Mundelein Arts Festival.

The festival this weekend in Kracklauer Park is a juried art show featuring 41 local painters, sculptors, jewelers and craftspeople, as well as high school students. Nine artists were turned away because of lack of space at the park.

"It's been building," said Christa Lawrence, festival organizer and artist, who began the event in conjunction with the Mundelein Community Connection. "It's important to highlight the arts, as well as benefit our student artists."

One of this year's high school artists, Jade Green, a 16-year-old junior at Mundelein High School, says she's excited to display her pieces, especially a watercolor painting of a jellyfish.

"It's always nice to have artwork displayed in a public showing," Green said. "While I have always attended this festival, this will be my first time displaying artwork."

Art students from Mundelein as well as Carmel High School are encouraged to bring paintings, drawings, photography, graphic designs and mixed-media artworks. Some students sell art, and others receive scholarships. Each school is given $1,000 from the festival proceeds to award to students with outstanding artwork and an intent to pursue art in college. The artists pay $120 for a booth for the weekend, which pays for festival expenses, as well as funds the scholarships.

"Students are able to walk around the festival and view professional artists' work to help give them inspiration," said Katie Hyken, art teacher at Mundelein High School. "The event also helps students understand the process of putting up and taking down an art show, as well as arranging artwork on a display panel."

For Mundelein artists Donna Morrison and daughter Danielle Hanrahan, the festival is a chance to catch up with friends and meet new people. The mother-daughter jewelry design team sells handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings and belts. Their pieces range in price from $18 for a pair of earrings to $225 for an intricately beaded bracelet or belt.

"This is our third year at the festival. We were there from the very beginning and it has just blossomed. It's amazing," Morrison said. "We do very well here. It's so nice to do a festival in our own backyard."

The festival also features local musicians and food from local restaurants Luke's Italian Beef and Loretta's Italian Bakery. The festival is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It's for people of all ages. It's a family-friendly event," Lawrence said.